RD One Bourbon Finished with Brazilian Amburana Wood

Feels appropriate to state up front that I've had ~3 amburana-aged pours prior to this pour, and have had some hits, as well as dreadful misses... The nose on this pour is truly unique and oh-so-inviting. It is a melange of two breakfast cereals from my youth - Apple Jacks and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Aside from this, there's some cider-y notes, vanilla, brown sugar, and a nice dose of ethanol that creeps in over time. While the nose is the star here, the flavor is no slough off, bringing some of the apple jack/cereal-like creaminess, plenty of cinnamon spice, more raw, red apple, and then Quaker brown sugar oatmeal. It is bourbon...and the base seems quite nice, but this is one where the finishing is what it is all about...for better for worse. Oh, to that end, I could certainly knock this whiskey for the finish...it is short and lacks gusto. I thoroughly enjoyed this whiskey...to the extent that I felt it would be an appropriate first rate for an amburana-finished pour. This exceeded any expectations I had for a $55 bottle, and I would love to stock this bottle for years, both for personal enjoyment, but also to get a 'wow' out of newer whiskey drinkers. This being said, I fully understand some might find this an abomination. To each their own, but for me, this has a place on the shelf

After trying the Penelope Rio, I have officially turned into a fan of the Amburana finish. Not as good as the Rio but what is? This is a spicier finish and a bit rough around the edges. Finish hits you quick, is long and a bit untamed. More like Big Red compared to that cinnamon toast crunch that Rio has. My quest continues

Nose: The nose reminds me of cinnamon toast my mom would make me as a kid. Fresh cinnamon, maple syrup, and buttery vanilla. The finishing note is fresh apple, almost like apple cider. Palate: vanilla, brown sugar, apple, and cinnamon. Overall: To preface; I have never had an Amburana finsihed bourbon. This is one of the best things i have ever had. I’ve never had something such clear characteristics for tasting notes. This is dessert in a glass and I will buy this bottle each time I see it. Drinks very well for 110 proof.

Like liquid Apple Jacks, delicious. Great finish

Philosophically, I am pretty much a purist when it comes to my bourbon. Double oak or oak staves that basically accelerate the aging process, Im ok with. Secondary barreling in wine barrels is a stretch for me, but I have enjoyed some. Amburana finishing might cross the line. This is more akin to flavored bourbon. It's not bad but this tastes like someone poured maple syrup in the bourbon. Aromas and flavors are intense, predominately maple, apple and baking spices overwhelm the basic flavor. In spite of that, the finish is very short. No more for me

honey and light oak to start, some caramels and vanilla coming though then the typical cinnamon spice from the cask, a burnt brown sugar/maple mingle alot with the spice. The finish is medium length with a nutty, sweet and spicy finish. i found this one to taste better than rio or doc swinsons.